Means of Grace
Means of Grace4
The Means of Grace
By John Wesley0MAL 3:7MAT 7:7ACT 2:42John Wesley emphasizes the significance of the means of grace in the Christian life, arguing that God has ordained certain outward practices, such as prayer, scripture reading, and the Lord's Supper, as channels through which His grace is conveyed. He warns against the danger of treating these means as ends in themselves, stressing that true religion must stem from a heart transformed by love and faith. Wesley acknowledges the tendency of some to neglect these ordinances, yet he affirms their essential role in nurturing spiritual growth and connection with God. He encourages believers to actively engage in these practices while recognizing that the power lies not in the acts themselves but in God's grace. Ultimately, Wesley calls for a balanced approach that honors both the means and the divine source of grace.
People as Means of Grace
By J.R. Miller0PRO 27:17MAT 18:20ROM 12:101CO 15:33GAL 6:2EPH 4:29COL 3:161TH 5:11HEB 10:24JAS 5:16J.R. Miller emphasizes that people serve as vital means of grace in our spiritual growth, illustrating this with the transformation of Indian children through Christian influence. He argues that while traditional means of grace like prayer and Bible reading are important, the interactions and relationships we have with others are equally significant in shaping our character and faith. Miller highlights that both the good and the challenging aspects of our relationships can teach us valuable lessons about patience, love, and self-control. He concludes that living in community is essential for spiritual development, as it compels us to practice unselfishness and draw closer to God through the lives of others. Ultimately, every encounter can be a divine opportunity for growth and grace.
Are You Are Thirsty?
By John Wesley0PSA 42:1John Wesley explores the deep spiritual thirst expressed by the Psalmist in Psalm 42, illustrating the longing for God's presence during times of suffering and distance. He emphasizes that, like a deer searching for water, our souls yearn for God, especially when we feel abandoned or dry in our spiritual lives. Wesley encourages believers to recognize that this thirst can stem from neglecting spiritual practices or from a divine sense of distance, yet reminds us that we can always return to God, who invites us to come and drink from Him. The sermon highlights the importance of engaging in the means of grace to quench our spiritual thirst and maintain closeness to God.
The Means of Grace
By Richard Owen Roberts5191:05:33ACT 3:1Richard Owen Roberts emphasizes the importance of relying on divinely ordained means of grace in the pursuit of revival, cautioning against the disillusionment that can arise from institutional Christianity. He shares his personal experiences of being hurt by Christian organizations, which ultimately drove him closer to God and reignited his passion for revival. Roberts highlights the necessity of prayer, the Word of God, Christian fellowship, and the ordinances as essential channels through which God's grace flows. He urges the church to return to genuine Christian fellowship and to utilize the means of grace fully to experience true revival. The sermon serves as a call to action for believers to engage deeply with their faith and community.